Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System

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What to Record Before Seeking Water Treatment Advice

Laboratory Test Reports List Hardness as mg/L of Calcium and Magnesium

Hardness is measured by the combined concentration of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) ions in milligrams per liter (mg/L). For Fayette County's 124MMPS aquifer, the U.S. Geological Survey sampled 13 results from 10 wells between 2011 and 2024 showing a median hardness of 9.15 mg/L, with values ranging from 5.26 to 28.4 mg/L. These numbers represent the quantity of hardness minerals in water but are not a safety or health violation.

Note Acidity Levels Independently Through pH Testing

Acidity affects water quality through pH measurements, which are separate from hardness. This page focuses on hardness data from government sampling; individual acidic water levels require specific testing of your own household supply.

Adjustments for Larger or Non-Primary Residences

Water Demand Changes Treatment Capacity Needs

In homes with more occupants or seasonal use, total daily water consumption can rise substantially. This requires a treatment system with capacity to handle the increased load without performance loss.

Varying Water Characteristics May Affect Sizing

A well not included in the 124MMPS aquifer data could have different hardness or acidity. For seasonal or second homes, retesting or monitoring hardness and acid levels can help confirm appropriate treatment system sizing.

Additional Considerations Beyond Household Use

Commercial Operators Must Estimate Peak Demand and Consistency

Unlike households, commercial operators need to consider peak hours and continuous water use. This affects the total grain capacity required for hardness removal, potentially beyond the 32,000-grain capacity typical for household systems.

Water Quality Variations Require More Frequent Testing

Larger water systems or businesses may experience more variable water quality, necessitating regular hardness and acid monitoring to maintain treatment effectiveness.

Changes at the Tap After Using the Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System

Softer Water With Reduced Hardness Minerals

Once treated with the Autotrol System, hardness is significantly reduced, limiting scale buildup on fixtures and improving soap performance. This system’s 32,000-grain capacity supports typical household loads identified through demand measurements.

Neutralizing Acidity for Balanced Water Chemistry

The system also adjusts for acidic water conditions, helping prevent corrosion in pipes and prolonging plumbing lifespan.

Impact of Plumbing Material and Age on Water Quality

Older Plumbing May React Differently to Acidic Water

Pipe materials such as galvanized steel or older copper can be more sensitive to acidity, leading to corrosion if untreated. Knowing your home's plumbing materials helps anticipate potential water quality issues beyond source hardness.

Newer Materials Often Resist Acid Effects Better

Modern plastic and coated pipes generally withstand acidic water more effectively, but treatment remains beneficial to protect appliances and fixtures.

Interpreting Fayette County Aquifer Hardness Median and Range for Homeowners

The Median 9.15 mg/L Indicates Soft to Moderately Soft Water

The recorded median hardness in sampled wells is low compared to many regions, suggesting that for many Fayette County households, hardness is not extreme but still present.

Range from 5.26 to 28.4 mg/L Shows Variation Across Wells

Variation in hardness levels means individual wells may differ. A test of your own supply is essential to size treatment accurately, especially near the higher end of the range.

Federal guidelines show no exceedances in the sampled wells, so detected hardness is not a health concern but can affect household water use and plumbing longevity.

For households seeking to size treatment suited to their water demand, the Autotrol Acidic Water + Hard Water (Well) System ships ready to configure with a 32,000-grain capacity. This capacity supports typical residential hardness levels in Fayette County when matched to measured water use.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2024-02-27. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Hardness, Ca, Mg in the 124MMPS aquifer (Fayette County): 13 results from 10 wells, median 9.15 mg/L, range 5.26-28.4 mg/L; none above any federal threshold